During the experimental period of November 1995 to April 1996 the total availability, residue left after grazing and losses of a Tobiatã grass pasture were evaluated. The grazing cycle was 34 days (33 of rest and 1 day of grazing) for the main group of cows. A decrease in the grazing efficiency was observed when the cycle advanced in time and the residue height was increased. The values 68.57% and 18.82% were observed when the residue was 1491.50 and 7917.90 kg/ha during November and April respectively. The botanic composition was less desirable cycle after cycle. The steam/leaf ratio increased from 0.33 to 1.92 in November and April, respectively. The grazing pressures used for the Tobiatã grass should be greater than those used in this experiment (8.84 % LW); the postgraze residue seems to be a better tool for pasture management. This practice will probably reduce losses and increase the efficiency of pasture utilization.
Panicum maximum; rotacional grazing; grazing pressure; postgraze residue; dry matter production
